Mark Esper Tells CNN Tim Walz Needs to Clarify Service Record Whether He ‘Misspoke’ or ‘Misled’

Trump administration Defense Secretary Mark Esper called for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) to clarify his record amid a wave of allegations the Democratic Party’s vice presidential nominee embellished his service in the military.

Walz has been accused of everything from lying to stolen valor by Republicans in recent days amid allegations he retired from the National Guard because he did not want to fight in the Middle East. CBS News reported:

On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, who is an Iraq War veteran, seized the opportunity to target his opponent’s military record, resurfacing claims about his deployments and his retirement from the guard.

[…]

A CBS News review of Walz’s military record and statements from the Minnesota Army National Guard show Walz achieved the rank of command sergeant major but was reduced in rank to master sergeant after retirement since he had not completed coursework for the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy. On Iraq, records show Walz had retired before his battalion was mobilized and deployed to Iraq. A 2005 statement from his website indicates Walz was initially prepared to deploy to Iraq amid his bid for Congress. CBS News has asked Walz for comment on when he decided to retire.

Walz has also been criticized in recent days over previous statements he made in which he implied he carried a weapon in a combat zone but his record shows he served in Europe.

Throughout the past week, questions about Walz’s 24 years of service have led to a string of attacks from the right and from some veterans. Thursday, the Harris campaign updated its website to reflect Walz did not retire as a command sergeant but a master sergeant

Esper, who is a fierce critic of Trump, called on Walz to put the stolen valor narrative to rest by clearly addressing the issue to the public. Esper said during a Friday interview:

I’m really happy that we have the two vice presidential candidates who were veterans – are veterans – and they both served honorably. So I’m really happy to see that, I think that’s important for the country. I think it’s for the positions that either may occupy. And of course, it’s important to the military and veterans. I think some of the attacks are without merit.

Some, I think, need clarified by Governor Walz. He should speak to it. The fact that it’s been going on for a few days now in my view, means that he should just get out, speak to the issues. Clarify where I think he’s probably misspoken or people would say misled and clarify things. But get this off the table and get focus back on the bigger issues that are out there.

Watch above via CNN.